Formulaic Patterns in Phoenician-Punic Votive Inscriptions: Preliminary Proposals on Epigraphic Structure and Syntax

Abstract

We apply methodologies from the study of Greek poetry – theories about performance on the one hand and about the re-enactment of epigraphic poetry on the other – in order to better understand poetry on Phoenician inscriptions. We define formulae as semantic units that can change position within a poetic expression, using the metaphor of dovetail joinery, with some units that can even be omitted while still permitting comprehension. A limited range of formulaic units can combine into expression of certain lengths and rhythms, a syntax that pertains to inscriptions over a broad geographical and chronological range, found on dedications both public and private. In particular, names for the types of offerings poetically parallel each other, with this parallelism excluding interpretations that fall outside of their shared syntax.